July 04, 2007
Happy Fourth of July!
We celebrated America's birthday at the Hollywood Bowl with family, food, wine, and music by Sousa, Copland, Grofe and others, with tributes to Gene Autry and John Wayne by the Cowboy Balladeers, Riders in the Sky.
The box seats were terrific, close enough to see the performers without needing to use the Jumbotrons off to the sides of the stage. The weather was sweltering when we arrived (110 in the Valley), but within 10 minutes the sun dipped behind the trees bordering the Bowl and the temperature fell at least twenty degrees.
It had been years since my last visit to the Bowl, and a number of changes had been made; the supposedly sound-enhancing gigantic orbs that used to festoon the ceiling of the arch were gone, replaced by a flying-saucer-like array in the center of the structure.
The sound was awesome, a tremendous improvement (if memory serves), and the light show painted a constantly-shifting wash of color over the curves and crisp lines of the shell.
The music? The conductor was new to me; enthusiastic and energetic. The fellow sitting in the box in front of us commented that the maestro would probably become quite renowned -- just as soon as he started shaving.
I've always wondered just how large a role the guy waving the baton plays in the success of an orchestra, as opposed to the -- what do you call them? -- oh, right, the musicians.
Anyhow, the concert began with a rousing rendition of the Star Spangled Banner, with fireworks shooting into the sky at first mention of Rockets' Red Glare. The audience rose to its feet as soon as the first notes filled the air, and darn near everyone sang along.
As the orchestra began its Western-oriented program, Dad and I had a whispered debate over the composer of the piece.
"Grofe," Dad said.
"Elmer Bernstein," I replied.
"Nope, it's Grofe; I'm positive," he said.
"Sorry, Chollie, it's the theme to The Magnificent Seven, by Bernstein," I replied.
Then we both shut up and enjoyed the performance. For the record, Dad knows many things -- golf, all things pharmaceutical, Brooklyn trivia -- but when it comes to movie trivia, the torch has been passed.
Sorry, Pops. Then we heard Copland, then Grofe (Dad turned to me and said, "I was just listening ahead.").
There was a musical tribute to John Wayne, after a video montage of scenes from many of his films, with the Philharmonic playing John Williams' score from The Cowboys.
After intermission, Riders in the Sky took the stage, the close harmonies of Ranger Doug, Woody Paul, Too Slim and Joey the Cowpolka King filling the amphitheater (and putting a smile on my Dad's face).
They performed numbers by Gene Autrey and other greats of the Depression-era, then did a medley of hits from their Grammy-winning albums, including the children's favorite, Woody's Roundup.
Dad turned to me when they left the stage and said he wished there's been more of the Rider's own songs, which made me glad, for I'd hoped that he'd like them as much as I did.
The evening finished with a spectacular fireworks show, set to the music of John Philip Sousa -- also a favorite of mine, thanks to Dad playing the U.S. Marine Corps Band long-playing record throughout my childhood.
All in all, a great way to mark the 231st anniversary of our Declaration of Independence.
Posted by Mike Lief at July 4, 2007 10:19 AM
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